With the San Francisco 49ers in great shape and already in the NFC playoffs, there's really no hurry to run Patrick Willis back into the lineup. Based on today's news, it's looking like the Niners All-Pro linebacker will take his time before he returns to the gridiron.
Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports:
Linebacker Patrick Willis is expected to miss practice time and "probably" the 49ers' game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals with a right hamstring injury, a source told CSNBayArea.com on Monday.
Willis will not require any kind of surgery -- just rest, the source said. The 49ers will have their first practice of the week on Wednesday to begin preparations to face the Cardinals. After Sunday's game, the 49ers will next play Monday, Dec. 19, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Adam Schefter of ESPN also says that Willis suffered a grade 2 hamstring injury, but it should heal on its own.
Willis being out won't change much for the 49ers this week. The Arizona Cardinals are not a formidable opponent, and the Niners should be able to win without him. Larry Grant replaces Willis, and he did record a sack yesterday; Grant usually plays special teams. Nevertheless, San Francisco should have the strength in the front seven to ensure that their defense keeps on humming.
To discuss the Willis injury with 49ers fans, best to go over to Niners Nation.